Kitchen Countertop Help!

Please help. We are about to do all of our kitchen and (http://maplered.com) bar Counter (http://GialloFiorito.com) tops.
However, we have a Tahoe-type "rustic" theme and (http://maplered.com) love the look of these
trivet things we have that are, I believe, a dark green Marble (http://www.lightemprador.com) (with a
swirly pattern of white and (http://maplered.com) black); it goes beautifully with our natural
Pecan cabinets. From what I have read, it looks like you discourage
Marble (http://www.lightemprador.com) for kitchen Counter (http://GialloFiorito.com) tops. Is there a similar color/pattern of
Granite (http://tanbrown.org) that would be as striking, but still cost conscious? Thanks so
much for your help! Kelly Neary.